What Is a Skin Graft? What Does It Correct?
Since 2004, Tru-Skin Dermatology has provided premier skin graft procedures throughout the Central Texas area. A skin graft is a patch of skin that is surgically removed from one area of the body, usually referred to as the donor site, and transplanted to another area where the skin is damaged or lost. Tru-Skin Dermatology offers full-thickness and Cogenex® skin grafts for clients with severe burns, infections, or wounds, as well as those who have had skin removed because of skin cancer. Skin grafts cover up wounds and facilitate a faster healing process.
The Benefits Offered by Cogenex® Skin Grafts
Cogenex® skin grafts are derived from the human placental membrane. They are:
- A great way to help with healing more extensive excisions
- Helpful to reduce scarring
- Used for high-tension surgical sights like the scalp
- A way to prevent having to perform additional surgery that would be needed to obtain skin for a traditional skin graft
- Able to reduce pain to the site while it is healing
- Able to help heal non-healing wounds
How Long Does It Take for a Skin Graft to Heal?
There are three stages of skin graft healing: imbibition, inosculation, and revascularization. Imbibition is the first stage of the skin graft healing process and takes place 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. During imbibition, a thin film of fibrin and plasma separates the skin graft from the underlying wound bed. This film provides a moist environment that temporarily maintains the ischemic cells until a vascular supply is re-established. Inosculation is the second stage of the skin graft healing process. It takes place around 48 hours after the procedure when a fine vascular network begins to form within the fibrin layer. The new capillaries border the surface of the dermis, allowing the transfer of nutrients and oxygen. Revascularization is the third stage of the skin graft healing process. It is the process of new blood vessels invading the skin graft and restoring the skin to its natural hue. The three-step skin graft healing process can take up to a week.
What to Expect from Skin Graft Aftercare & Healing
Skin graft surgery can take anywhere from one to three hours, while the healing process can take up to a week because, in general, that is how long stitches may be left in before suture removal. When the graft is in place, there is no additional care needed from the patient except to keep the area covered and dry. Which instruction is the most important to give a client who has recently had a skin graft? Refrain from placing your skin graft in direct sunlight. Skin graft failure symptoms include swelling, discoloration, redness, and tissue breakdown. If you are noticing any of these symptoms, or are experiencing pain or fever, contact Tru-Skin Dermatology as soon as possible.
Contact Tru-Skin Dermatology Today
If you need skin graft services in Central Texas, you’ve come to the right place. The professionals at Tru-Skin Dermatology are highly-qualified and can help. Whether you need full-thickness skin grafts or Cogenex® skin grafts, we’ve got you covered. We’re able to identify what type of skin graft would best fit your unique situation. To learn more, call Tru-Skin Dermatology today. We have seven convenient locations to serve you in Austin, Bastrop, La Grange, Spring Branch, Cedar Park, and Hallettsville.
CALL US TODAY AT THE TRU-SKIN DERMATOLOGY OFFICE NEAREST TO YOU
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